Love shouldn’t hurt

Helping Teens Navigate a Breakup
by Teresia Smith

Breaking up is never easy, especially for teenagers experiencing their first relationships. The emotional intensity of young love can make breakups feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, teens can learn to navigate this experience in a healthy and respectful way. Teaching your teen how to break up in a healthy way is an important life skill that will help them throughout life. The best thing we can do to help our teenagers cope with breakups is to be there for them – to listen, to offer comfort, and to remind them that they’re loved. Listen to your teenager express themselves and validate their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Be available and supportive, and offer helpful suggestions such as finding healthy ways to cope with their emotions. Below you will find some other tips:

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Love shouldn’t hurt

What is Reactive Abuse?
by Teresia Smith

Despite what its name suggests, reactive abuse is actually a form of self-defense that some people take in response to ongoing harm in an abusive relationship. Reactive abuse describes situations where a person who has experienced continued abusive behavior reacts aggressively towards their abuser. The abuser deliberately provokes their partner, pushing them to react in anger or frustration. The abusive partner often manipulates this reaction to shift blame and create a false narrative of “mutual abuse”. However, the victim’s behavior is actually self-defense in response to ongoing harm, and should not be equated with abusive behavior.

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Love shouldn’t hurt

Childhood Sexual Abuse
by Teresia Smith

Childhood sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that affects millions of children worldwide.

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Love shouldn’t hurt

Thriving After Sexual Assault: Reclaiming Your Life
by Teresia Smith

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience, but it does not define you. While the healing journey is unique for every survivor, it is possible to move forward, reclaim your power, and thrive. Recovery is not just about surviving—it is about finding joy, strength, and fulfillment in life again.

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Love shouldn’t hurt

The Impact of Sexual Assault on Self-Esteem
by Teresia Smith

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that affects victims in multiple ways, including their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

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